Hawaiian papaya is different than the traditional fruit you see in most stores today. This Hawaiian based fruit is more flavorful, sweet and packed with nutrients our bodies need. Hawaiian papaya is juicier, and more flavorful offering many health benefits which can be used in a variety of health smart dishes from smoothies to salsas. Hawaiian papaya is a superfood that must not be overlooked and is worth incorporating in your daily diet. Here are few reasons why you should consider adding this superfruit into your daily meals.
Why Hawaii papaya
Many people don’t understand the difference when it comes to seeing papaya in a grocery store. Most of these fruits in traditional stores come from Mexico, Guatemala and Brazil. These fruits while still papaya are different. They are not the pink or red variety that Hawaii produces. Hawaiian papaya is known to be higher in nutrients and offer a sweeter flavor that is more popular for people using it to cook with or eat raw. Hawaiian papayas are grown in the volcanic soil of the islands providing unique nutrients and a distinct sweet flavor, that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world.
Superfood properties
Hawaiian papaya is known to pack a powerhouse of nutrients within its flesh. Vitamin A, C and E are packed within the Hawaiian papaya helping those who eat this fruit boost the immune system. Vitamin C is also prevalent and is known to fight off colds and help maintain blood vessel and bone health. Additionally Hawaiian papayas are full of folate which is crucial in the repair of DNA synthesis making it a crucial nutrient for pregnant women. Along with these nutrients potassium and magnesium are also high in value as they help regulate blood pressure and support the muscular and nervous systems.
Digestive health
One of the best aspects of adding Hawaiian papaya to your diet is its impact on the digestive system. Papaya contains an enzyme called papain. This enzyme helps in the digestion of proteins which makes it easier for the body to absorb the nutrients from the foods you are eating. Papain is especially helpful for those with digestive issues such as gas and bloating after eating large meals. Furthermore, papayas have a high fiber content which helps with digestion allowing food by products and digestive material to move through your system in a healthier manner. This high fiber content also benefits the gut microbiome by serving as a prebiotic, that feeds the good bacteria in the gut to make it function properly.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Hawaiian papayas are loaded with antioxidants like lycopene, flavonoids and beta-carotene. These antioxidants help reduce stress and inflammation. Chronic inflammation is known to affect many individuals leading to a variety of health issues like autoimmune deficiencies, cancer and heart health problems. Incorporating Hawaiian papaya into your diet can possibly help lower your risk of these issues. The anti-inflammatory properties of the fruit are also great for joint health and some situations with arthritis. It has also been shown in some studies that adding papaya to your diet can help with eye issues like macular degeneration and cataracts due to containing Zeaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant involved with healthy eyesight.
Adding Hawaiian papaya into your diet can offer many health benefits. From boosting the immune system with its many vitamins to improving digestive health with the natural enzymes within the fruit. Hawaiian papaya is a fruit you don’t want to skip over when it comes to your health. Whether you add it to your favorite salad or in your morning smoothie, Hawaiian papaya will provide you with many of the necessary nutrients you are missing from your daily diet while adding a boost of flavor that will make you want to take a trip to the pacific.
Photo Courtesy of Hawaii Papaya Direct.
